-
An Upscale Walking Adventure Through the Jewels of Patagonia
Type of Trip: Hiking Length: 12 days Season: October-March Rating: Grade III
Experience the thrill of Southwind’s Hiking the Patagonian Andes, a journey ideal for active hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience in the iconic wilderness areas of Argentina’s Los Glaciares and Chile’s Torres del Paine National Parks. Traverse landscapes where nature reigns supreme, witnessing diverse wildlife such as guanacos, ñandúes, condors, and foxes, alongside a variety of bird species.
Begin your exploration in Argentina, hiking at the foot of the majestic Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Continue overland to Chile where you will hike near turquoise-colored lakes and see the granite towers of the Paine Massif soaring above the plains. As the journey continues, you’ll explore close-up views of impressive peaks with vertical granite walls. This carefully crafted itinerary balances active days filled with moderate to strenuous hikes on established trails with relaxing nights spent in charming hotels and lodges. The itinerary promises an unforgettable exploration of the Patagonian Andes, rivaling the beauty of Yellowstone and Yosemite, with additional destinations available for those who wish to see more of the continent.
Trip Highlights:
- Become dwarfed by the magnificent nature in Argentina’s Glaciers National Park
- Spend time exploring the valleys around Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre on foot
- Enjoy the warmth and refined comfort of Patagonian lodge hospitality
- Visit the surreal, glacier-carved peaks of Torres del Paine in Chile
- Hike by the impressive rock and ice vertical walls of Cerro Paine Grande (10,007 ft)
- Absorb the majestic scenery as you hike uphill along the French River valley
- Feel the energy of South America’s most sophisticated city: Buenos Aires
- Under Brief Itinerary, replace for this new text, follow the same style, font sizes, etc.
Brief Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPARTURE FROM HOME
Embark on your exciting journey with an overnight flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s vibrant and cosmopolitan capital. Rest up and anticipate the incredible adventures that lie ahead!
DAY 2: BUENOS AIRES
Land in Buenos Aires and immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture, European-style architecture, and vibrant neighborhoods. Enjoy a welcome dinner and experience the passion of a traditional tango show, a quintessential Argentine dance!
DAY 3: BUENOS AIRES / EL CALAATE / EL CHALTÉN
Fly to El Calafate, the gateway to Argentine Patagonia, and transfer through the Patagonian steppe to the charming mountain village of El Chaltén, nestled at the base of the majestic Mount Fitz Roy. Join for a short afternoon hike, soaking in the panoramic views and anticipating the adventures to come.
DAY 4: FITZ ROY
Undertake a full-day hike along the Río Eléctrico River valley, ascending towards the base of the iconic Mount Fitz Roy. Keep an eye out for colorful flowers and local bird species as you hike through the valley beneath the peaks! Marvel at the towering granite spires, the shimmering turquoise lakes, and the stunning landscapes that surround you.
DAY 5: CERRO TORRE / EL CALAFATE
Set off on a scenic morning hike in the Fitz Roy River Valley, admiring breathtaking views of the jagged Cerro Torre and the Ventisquero Grande glacier. Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch amidst this stunning scenery. In the afternoon, drive back to El Calafate and unwind with a relaxing spa treatment.
DAY 6: PERITO MORENO GLACIER
Explore Los Glaciares National Park with outings by catamaran, vehicle, and on foot, culminating with close up views of the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few Patagonian glaciers that isn’t retreating. See this vast glacier from different angles and look out for the detachment of ice blocks and listen for the roaring they produce!
DAY 7: EL CALAFATE / PAINE NATIONAL PARK
Journey across the Patagonian plains to the iconic Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. Keep a look out for the region’s varied wildlife and some of Chile’s best mountain views! The boutique spa at the Hotel Las Torres Patagonia offers perfect treatments for unwinding after a day of hiking.
DAY 8: NORDENSKJOLD LAKE HIKE
Embark on a day hike with breathtaking views of the iconic Paine Horns and the turquoise waters of Nordenskjold Lake. Negotiate boulder to boulder stream crossings, pass through brushy areas, all the while, seeking out native birds and wildlife. Conclude with a gourmet dinner at Hotel Las Torres Patagonia’s Coiron Restaurant.
DAY 9: GREY LAKE
Begin your day with a walk by Grey Lake, followed by a boat ride to see the impressive 4-mile-wide glacier from a distance. Hike to Pehoé Lake, and see the Cerro Zapata, a majestic mountain with cascading waterfalls! Enjoy a scenic catamaran ride to Pudeto and admire more views of the Paine Massif.
DAY 10: PEHOE LAKE / FRENCH VALLEY
Cross Pehoé Lake by boat and hike through the foothills toward the magnificent French Valley. The lower hills feature scrub forests and, if you’re lucky, will be covered by wildflowers! The final section will take you through the heart of the area, and the beautiful glacier will surely impress.
DAY 11: PAINE NATIONAL PARK / PUERTO NATALES / SANTIAGO
Bid farewell to the wonders of Paine Park and journey overland to visit Milodón Cave, continue to Puerto Natales, where you’ll catch your flight to Santiago. Connect to your overnight international flight, filled with emotions and memories of your Patagonian excursion.
DAY 12: RETURN HOME
Arrive back home, carrying with you the breathtaking beauty and unforgettable experiences of your Hiking the Patagonian Andes.
All Southwind itineraries are fully customizable to your personal interests and travel dates. Contact us for firsthand knowledge and expert help planning your dream trip.
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF for the 2025/26 season)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.Departures
On request any week throughout the October-March season
You can pick your own dates and have Southwind design a custom itinerary anytime during the season for a minimum of four participants. Please contact our Travel Specialists.
2024/2025 Land Cost
4-5 participants: from $8,900 p.p.d.
6-9 participants: from $8,200 p.p.d.
10-12 participants: from $7,500 p.p.d.
Single Supplement: from $2,000p.p.d. = per person based on double occupancy. Price does not include international or local flights. Southwind ticketing affiliate helps coordinate flights to match your itinerary.
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF for the 2025/26 season)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.Buenos Aires: Emperador Hotel
The modern architecture, classic details, and natural lighting of the Emperador Hotel make it one of Buenos Aires’ finest properties. Situated in the chic Recoleta neighborhood, the 5-star hotel’s well-appointed rooms feature views of the city, river or hotel garden.
El Chalten: Hotel Destino Sur
A newer and modern-looking hotel in El Chalten, Destino Sur upholds standards of quality to charm guests from all over the world. Strategically located, the hotel is on the main street of town and also close to the incredible hiking trails surrounding Mt. Fitz Roy.
El Calafate: Xelena Hotel & Spa
Capturing the spirit of Patagonia, Xelena Hotel & Spa sits on the banks of Argentino Lake, quiet and majestic. Its comfort and warmth come out in the personalized attention, unique common areas, and luxurious spa. Each of the Xelena’s 71 rooms exhibits an authentic and vibrant view of the lake.
Paine: Hotel las Torres, Patagonia
Located at the foot of Mount Almirante Nieto, Hotel Las Torres Patagonia is part of Cerro Paine Cattle Ranch, a 12,000-acre private estate within Torres del Paine Park. Its 57 tastefully decorated rooms are fully carpeted and feature central heating and private bathrooms. The grand living room faces the mountains.
Paine: Hotel Rio Serrano
With spectacular views of the Paine Towers, the scenic Hotel Rio Serrano has 99 rooms and blends a rustic feel with upscale modern amenities. The Restaurant El Mirador features both local and international cuisine, while the Dickson Wine Bar is home to a wide variety of Chilean wines.
Testimonials
-
“Our experience in Patagonia was well beyond our expectations. We had an absolutely great time from beginning to end. The scenery was spectacular, Oscar and his people were wonderful, we were challenged and comfortable at the same time, even the weather was perfect. Thanks to you and everyone at Southwind. Our memories of Patagonia will stay with us always.”
Holly & Mike Sacks – Thousand Oaks, CA
★★★★★ -
“We loved our one mini-hike the first afternoon in El Chalten and our two long hikes there, which were two of my favorites of my life, as I told Wendy Perrin. That is saying a lot, after spectacular hikes I have been fortunate to take in Kauaii, Cape Breton Island, Colorado, Switzerland…”
David S. – New York, NY
★★★★★ -
“The hiking in Torres del Paine was amazing. The terrain, animals and mountains look very different than the Rocky Mountains. We loved seeing the different areas and hiking in all of them to fully experience the park. Our guide Mauricio was wonderful. He is always very positive and encouraged us to get the full experience of Patagonia.”
Jill Montera – Broomfield, CO
★★★★★
